Art is frequently given short shrift when pulling together room decor. (If my husband had his way our flat screen would be the only visual interest on our living room wall.) However, man does not live by cable alone, and the use of art in a room is far more important than being a clever way to disguise wall imperfections.
When we surround ourselves with things that are visually pleasing, we create a sense of harmony within ourselves and the rooms we live in.
Truth be told, the following hints and ideas cannot technically be considered art. Instead they are more "artistic options" for creating dynamic wall decor which is both lovely and very inexpensive.
This charming cityscape was done by my niece. She and friends gathered at a local shop that features painting lessons you sip wine and enjoy hor d' oeuvres. At evenings end you leave with an original acrylic painting for your home. The beauty of this piece is that it is an authentic representation of what my niece saw demonstrated at the event. To my way of thinking it is her interpretation and execution of the subject matter that make it special not to mention an inspired way to spend quality time either alone, or with friends.
Visual Interest
Simple items like these three shallow bamboo plates from IKEA's garden section make a striking focal point above a bed. The six foot width of the king size bed and height of the wall are easily brought into scale with this simple technique. When working with large blank walls remember to always hang your decor in relationship to the furnishings--not eye level.
Wood frames of all sizes and widths are unified into a large wall graphic by spray-painting them flat black. Additional interest is added by working in wall sconces, also painted black, that hold candles that are the same color as the wall.
These frames were found in the back of closets, the garage, and my local thrift shop.
The beauty of this technique is that it's simple to execute, extremely inexpensive, and can be enlarged or reduced in scale and repetition to fit any room.
Both these techniques appeal to the masculine as well as the feminine which always helps balance the visual "energy" in a room.
Collectibles & Keepsakes
The things we love to collect make excellent wall art. The trick is how to arrange them so that they come off as visual interest instead of visual clutter. Right, a collection of hand-beaded purses dangle below glass shelving. Each purse hangs from a little chrome creature who's tail forms a hook.
This simple installation adds color and texture to a dark hallway. Colored crystal vases, a bowl, and hand-blown glass objects repeat the jeweled tones of the purses. Lit from above the hallway sparkles with interest each time you walk past.
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A Japanese kimono, originally worn as a child, combined with a small portrait and other keepsakes from that time in my clients life, makes this home office wall very personal and special. |
Left, a vignette
of homemade art hangs in the mini-kitchen space.
When
down-sizing to an assisted living apartment the transition from
life-long home was eased with the use of hand-picked mementos.
The little fabric clothes-pin bag, stitched to look like a little dress, has been a family keepsake since the '40's. Now it a roll of paper towels handy, and off the small counter-top.
Blending the old with things that are new gave the apartment a sense of familiarity and personal interest.
Below: This collection of animal bones and fossils are featured against black velvet and mounted inside shadow-boxes. Hanging them as a grouping in a stairwell provides opportunity to view the intricacies of each piece up close.
Comforts of Home
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Wall art doesn’t always have to exist within rigidly defined
borders.
The wall décor on the left was created by combining an object from nature with traditional art. This makes both visually more important, not to mention extremely inexpensive. So don’t overlook your backyard when looking for inspiration.
The presence of a quilt on the wall or on the bed
immediately imbues a room with warmth and a sense of comfort.
The large red "C" in the photo on the left, was rescued from an alley before being hauled away to the landfill. The letter graphic is both a family member's initial, and a wonderful wall piece for the game room. (It would also be a great decor idea for kid or teen room.)
A section of fabric brought home from a trip to Africa, was
pulled out of a drawer (where it had been stored for years) and made into a
wonderful wall hanging. Adding a border with a rod pocket in the top, made it easy
to hang from a curtain rod. This use of fabric art is easy, fast, and invokes fond memories of that special time.
These
are only a few examples of easy and inexpensive options I’ve used to create artistic
finishing touches for my clients.
I’m
absolutely convinced that surrounding yourself with the things you love, in
interesting and unexpected ways, is healing art for yourself, your family and
your home.
